New Honolulu Chick-fil-A Is Finally Here
For years, Chick-fil-A fans in Hawaii have had to travel elsewhere to enjoy the popular restaurant chain. Now, Chick-fil-A has finally arrived in Honolulu.
The new Chick-fil-A location sits at the corner of Kapiolani Boulevard and Kalakaua Avenue, right on the border of Waikiki and Ala Moana.
I recently stopped by to check out the new restaurant, explore the property, and see what makes this particular Chick-fil-A location different.
And there’s one thing you’ll notice immediately: this Chick-fil-A does not have a drive-thru.
A Unique Location on the Border of Waikiki
The new Chick-fil-A is positioned in a highly visible area of Honolulu.
Cross Kalakaua Bridge and you’re entering Waikiki, while Ala Moana is just in the opposite direction. The Hawaii Convention Center is also directly across the street, making this a location surrounded by major Honolulu destinations.
The restaurant also has access from both Kapiolani Boulevard and Kalakaua Avenue, along with a sizable parking lot.
For customers who are familiar with busy Waikiki and Ala Moana, having ample parking is a notable feature.
A Location With Decades of History
While the Chick-fil-A is new, the property itself has a long history in Honolulu.
The location was originally home to Coco’s Coffee House, which operated there from 1960 through 1986.
Then, in 1987, the iconic Hard Rock Cafe arrived.
The Hard Rock Cafe remained at the location until 2009 and became a popular hangout, particularly during the 1990s.
For me, the location also has some personal history. It was a place where my wife and I spent time together when we first started dating.
After the Hard Rock Cafe closed, the property later became home to Honolulu Coffee Company in 2014.
My wife and I even returned to the location in 2023 for a nostalgic visit. Honolulu Coffee Company eventually closed in 2024.
Now, in 2026, the property has a completely new chapter as Chick-fil-A.
What Makes This Chick-fil-A Different?
One of the biggest differences is the lack of a drive-thru.
Instead, customers can park and walk inside to place their orders. There is also a dedicated mobile pickup area near the entrance.
The restaurant itself is spacious, with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.
The building retains some of the existing character and structure from its previous uses while giving the space a fresh Chick-fil-A appearance.
Large open areas allow plenty of natural light into the restaurant, creating a bright and comfortable environment.
Plenty of Seating Inside and Outside
There are several seating options throughout the property.
Inside, the air conditioning provides a welcome break from the Hawaii heat, especially toward the end of summer.
Outside, there is additional seating along the Kapiolani Boulevard side of the property.
The restaurant also has a thoughtful feature for people visiting with their dogs: water bowls are available for pets.
With the Hawaii Convention Center nearby, the restaurant also has space suitable for events and larger gatherings.
What Did I Order?
After touring the restaurant, it was finally time to eat.
Rather than ordering the traditional Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich, I decided to try something different.
I ordered the Cobb Salad with Avocado Lime Ranch dressing.
The salad comes with a variety of toppings and makes for a lighter alternative to some of the restaurant's more traditional menu options.
After spending the afternoon touring the property and working in the area, it was exactly what I needed.
A New Chapter for an Iconic Honolulu Location
What's especially interesting about this Chick-fil-A isn't simply that it's a new restaurant.
It's the history of the property.
Over the decades, this corner has transformed from Coco's Coffee House to Hard Rock Cafe, then Honolulu Coffee Company, and now Chick-fil-A.
That history makes the new restaurant an interesting addition to the Ala Moana and Waikiki area.
It's also another example of how properties in Honolulu continue to evolve as neighborhoods change and new businesses arrive.
Exploring Ala Moana and Waikiki
The location is particularly interesting from a real estate perspective.
Ala Moana and Waikiki are two of Honolulu's most recognizable areas, and this Chick-fil-A sits right where the two neighborhoods meet.
Nearby residential buildings, hotels, businesses, shopping, entertainment, and the Hawaii Convention Center contribute to the area's activity.
For anyone interested in Honolulu real estate, locations like this are worth watching because changes to businesses and amenities can influence how an area feels and functions.
I recently visited a new listing of mine at 1717 Ala Wai, which is another reason I found myself in the neighborhood.
Final Thoughts
The arrival of Chick-fil-A in Hawaii marks a new chapter for this historic Honolulu property.
The location offers ample parking, indoor and outdoor seating, mobile pickup, pet-friendly amenities, and convenient access from both Kapiolani Boulevard and Kalakaua Avenue.
But perhaps the most interesting part is everything that came before it.
From Coco's Coffee House to the Hard Rock Cafe, Honolulu Coffee Company, and now Chick-fil-A, this corner has been part of Honolulu's story for generations.
If you're visiting Waikiki or Ala Moana, it's worth checking out the new location for yourself.
And if you're interested in Hawaii real estate, new businesses, and what's happening around Honolulu, there's always something new to discover.
Mahalo for joining me on the tour!
David Buck
Harcourts Island Real Estate
808-371-3509